Name: Meatloaf Cupcakes with Whipped Potato Topping
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup milk; 1 large egg; 1/4 cup ketchup; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp pepper; 2 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed; 2 tbsp butter; 1/4 cup milk or heavy cream; Salt and pepper to taste

These Meatloaf Cupcakes with Whipped Potato Topping are a creative, comforting twist on the classic meatloaf dinner. Baked in muffin tins, each mini meatloaf is topped with a swirl of creamy mashed potatoes, making them as visually appealing as they are satisfying. They’re a perfect family-friendly meal that feels both familiar and fun. Meatloaf Cupcakes with Whipped Potato Topping

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these meatloaf cupcakes take all the hearty goodness of traditional meatloaf and transform it into a neat, personal-sized serving. The mashed potato topping gives them a warm, homemade touch, and they’re easy to make ahead or freeze for later. They’re also ideal for portion control and great for serving at casual dinners or parties.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

ground beef
onion, finely chopped
garlic, minced
breadcrumbs
milk
egg
ketchup
Worcestershire sauce
salt
pepper

For the whipped potato topping:
russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
butter
milk or heavy cream
salt
pepper

directions

I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin.
In a large mixing bowl, I combine ground beef, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
I mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the mixture.
I spoon the mixture evenly into the muffin tin, gently pressing it in.
I bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the meatloaf is fully cooked and browned on top.
While the meatloaf is baking, I cook the potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 15–20 minutes.
I drain and mash the potatoes with butter, milk or cream, salt, and pepper until smooth and fluffy.
Once the meatloaf cupcakes are out of the oven, I pipe or spoon the mashed potatoes on top.
For a lightly golden finish, I place them under the broiler for 2–3 minutes, keeping a close eye on them.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 12 meatloaf cupcakes, which usually serves 4 to 6 people depending on portion size.
Prep time is around 15 minutes, baking takes about 25 minutes, and total time is roughly 45 minutes from start to finish.

Variations

Sometimes I swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
For a different flavor profile, I mix in a spoonful of mustard or tomato paste into the meat mixture.
I also like adding chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a boost of freshness.
When I want a smoother mashed topping, I use a splash of cream instead of milk.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, I microwave each cupcake for 1 to 2 minutes or warm them in a 350°F oven for about 10–15 minutes.
They freeze well too—I let them cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. I reheat directly from frozen or let them thaw overnight in the fridge first.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, I often prepare the meat mixture and mashed potatoes a day ahead. Then I bake and assemble when I’m ready to serve.

What kind of meat works best for this recipe?

I usually use ground beef, but ground turkey or chicken also works well if I’m looking for something lighter.

How do I pipe the mashed potatoes without special tools?

I use a zip-top plastic bag with the corner cut off—it works just as well as a piping bag.

Do I need to broil the mashed potato topping?

Not at all. I only broil when I want a slightly golden, crispy top. Otherwise, I serve them as-is with the creamy topping.

What’s the best way to keep the meatloaf moist?

I make sure not to overbake and include moisture-rich ingredients like milk and ketchup to keep the texture tender and juicy.

Conclusion

Meatloaf Cupcakes with Whipped Potato Topping are an easy, comforting meal that’s both fun to serve and full of flavor. I enjoy how customizable they are, and the individual portions make leftovers simple to store and reheat. It’s a go-to recipe in my kitchen when I want something hearty, homemade, and just a little different.